Only 20 percent of Muskegon County’s 130,811 eligible voters turned out for last week’s primary election to determine the candidates for the November general election. Muskegon’s voter turnout ranked 51st out of Michigan’s 83 counties.

Neighboring Ottawa County ranked fourth in the state with a 29.2 percent turnout while Newaygo was 31st with 24.2 percent turnout and Oceana ws 38th with 22.7 percent

Still, voter turnout was a little higher than expected and hopefully it will be even greater on Nov. 2.

In the meantime, voters have 90 days to learn as much as they can about the candidates.

Based on letters in The Chronicle Opinions Page As Readers See It section, it’s clear area voters are concerned about jobs. They’re also tired of partisan politics and want constructive action on issues such as education funding, public safety, government consolidation, road repair and other basic services such as water, corrections, energy as well as job creation.

They also want all this done without raising taxes or contributing to an expanding national deficit. It will be a challenge for whoever is elected and that’s why it’s so important to participate in the process.

So voters, now’s your chance. Candidates are going to be knocking on your door or calling on the phone. Instead of avoiding them by screening your calls, engage them in a discussion of the two or three issues where you want to see change. Tell them your ideas and ask for their’s. Remember they’re going to be representing you.

Here are some questions you could ask:

• What specific things are you going to do in Lansing or Washington to improve the economy and create family-supporting jobs in Muskegon County and West Michigan?

• What specific things are you going to do to ensure that our children get the education they need to compete for high-paying, knowledge-based jobs?

• Where do you stand on the leasing of our natural resources (such as Lake Michigan bottomlands for wind turbines) to generate energy and jobs?

• What services will you cut to balance the state budget or to reduce the national deficit, or what taxes will you support to balance the budget or reduce the deficit?

• How will you work with lawmakers in the opposing political parties to accomplish change and move the state or nation forward?

The importance of participating in the fall elections can not be stressed enough. The state and nation are at a crossroads. The actions of the candidates we elect will determine our direction for years to come.

If you aren’t registered to vote, contact the county clerk, your township clerk or a Secretary of State’s office. You can even register online through the Secretary of State’s website, www.michigan.gov/sos. The last day to register is Oct. 4, that’s less than 60 days away.